The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

Antifreeze glycoproteins: Chemistry in its element 06.08.2014 5:58 ↓

Why don't fish freeze in sub-zero seas? Helen Scales introduces the compounds that protect them - antifreeze glycoproteins

Isoamyl acetate: Chemistry in its element 30.07.2014 5:39 ↓

It makes a sweet banana-flavoured treat, but can ruin home brewed beer; Jenna Bilbrey introduces isoamyl acetate

Bisphenol A: Chemistry in its element 23.07.2014 5:32 ↓

The science is far from settled, but this week's compound – bisphenol A – is facing bans across the world

Tributyltin: Chemistry in its element 16.07.2014 5:24 ↓

Helen Scales investigates tributyltin, banned from use as anti-fouling paint for causing 'imposex' in marine life

Desomorphine: Chemistry in its element 09.07.2014 5:20 ↓

From potential painkiller to kitchen-cooked heroin replacement, Nate Adams tracks the history of desomorphine

Squalene: Chemistry in its element 02.07.2014 5:00 ↓

It helps keep sharks afloat, but may be partly responsible for their declining numbers: Helen Scales introduces squalene

Albumin: Chemistry in its element 25.06.2014 5:10 ↓

Nathan Adams introduces a confusingly-named protein that's essential for keeping blood flowing: Albumin

Vermilion: Chemistry in its element 18.06.2014 5:57 ↓

Neil Withers finds out how vermilion has been keeping human civilisation looking bright and beautifully red for centuries

Pyridine: Chemistry in its element 11.06.2014 6:04 ↓

Brian Clegg holds his nose to examine one of the real workhorses of the organic chemistry lab: Pyridine

Cytochrome P450: Chemistry in its element 04.06.2014 5:23 ↓

Nathan Adams investigates some of the most important molecular machines within our cells, the cytochrome p450 enzymes

Ammonium dichromate: Chemistry in its element 28.05.2014 6:49 ↓

Brian Clegg reminisces about indoor fireworks and Vesuvian fire with this week's compound: Ammonium dichromate

Melatonin: Chemistry in its element 22.05.2014 4:22 ↓

Meet melatonin, the 'Dracula of hormones', essential in regulating the body's natural circadian rhythm

Naphthalene: Chemistry in its element 14.05.2014 6:17 ↓

Once a fusty way of keeping moths out of clothes, Brian Clegg explains how naphthalene may have helped bring life to Earth

Diphenyl oxalate: Chemistry in its element 07.05.2014 5:07 ↓

Nature has a range of ways to create bioluminescence. Not to be outdone, chemists create their own glow with diphenyl oxalate.

Tannins: Chemistry in its element 30.04.2014 6:13 ↓

They are the compounds that link leather trousers to a nice cup of tea - Brian Clegg introduces tannins

Prolactin: Chemistry in its element 23.04.2014 4:46 ↓

Anna Lewcock finds out how pigeons played a major role in discovering an important pituitary hormone, prolactin

Luminol: Chemistry in its element 16.04.2014 5:32 ↓

Amongst the fictional forensic equipment shown on television, Brian Clegg notices one distinctly non-fiction stalwart: Luminol

Dichloromethane: Chemistry in its element 09.04.2014 5:30 ↓

It smells sweet, is potentially lethal and organic chemists rely on it: Emily James on dichloromethane

Dibromoindigo: Chemistry in its element 02.04.2014 5:41 ↓

Purple was once a colour only royalty could afford to wear. Hayley Birch investigates tyrian purple, or dibromoindigo, the original purple dye

Batrachotoxin: Chemistry in its element 26.03.2014 5:44 ↓

Stephen Wallace introduces batrachotoxin, a deadly toxin that comes from a beautiful little frog

Helium hydride: Chemistry in its element 19.03.2014 6:37 ↓

Brian Clegg introduces the first compound to ever exist - helium hydride

Streptomycin: Chemistry in its element 12.03.2014 7:14 ↓

Simon Cotton introduces the first antibiotic known to kill TB: Streptomycin

Alum: Chemistry in its element 05.03.2014 6:10 ↓

Lars Öhrström delves into the history of alum, a compound linked to some of Europe's most infamous families

Hirudin: Chemistry in its element 26.02.2014 5:20 ↓

Helen Scales investigates hirudin, a powerful anticoagulant found in leech saliva

Ketamine: Chemistry in its element 19.02.2014 5:40 ↓

Simon Cotton explores a dance-scene drug that was designed for horses, ketamine